10 Yards that prove a big, green lawn isn't everything

Alicia is a writer and editor who spends entirely too much time on the computer and is convinced that wine makes her more productive. She has a passion for giving back which typically involves weekends spent with sick children or a home...

These whimsical yards prove that you don't have to have a perfectly manicured lawn

Egan Davis, chief educator at the University of British Columbia's horticulture training program, told CBC news that a green lawn isn't all it's cracked up to be. A not-so-perfectly manicured lawn isn't just easier; it's more eco-friendly too, since it takes less water and fewer chemicals to keep it looking nice.

Davis says it's fine if your lawn is a little yellow or has a few weeds. To prove his point, we decided to round up a few unconventional landscaping ideas that will give you serious yard envy.

Let flowers take centre stage

Opt for garden beds with some colour instead of a huge patch of green grass. If you select plants native to your area, they'll do well without a whole lot of upkeep. Better yet, go with wildflowers.

Plant large shrubs, and use other natural elements

You know what doesn't have to be mowed? Rocks. Use natural elements like rocks, pavers or wood and larger plants to fill in the space. You can still have small areas of grass if you want, but this will help eliminate some of the work.

Soccer, anyone?

OK, so this is still a lot of grass, but it doesn't actually count as a lawn when it is really a soccer field, right? Your kids will love this, and you won't have to worry about them trampling all over it, because that's what it's for, of course.

Get wild

Your home might not be an adorable little cottage, but your yard can look just as cute without a bit of grass. Plant bulbs and wildflowers instead. The bulbs will come back each year, and the wildflowers should reseed themselves.